![]() Jejuri is mainly a city and a municipal council in Pune. Jejuri Temple of Khandoba is situated on a small hill, so can be seen from the approach road. It is famous for the main temple of God Khandoba. It is one of the most sacred temples in Maharashtra. Besides the warrior communities of Maharashtra, Dhangar (shepherds), farmers, Brahmins and other people of other religious background visit Jejuri to receive the blessings of Khandoba, to continue in their lineage of family tree. Since the Jejuri Temple is situated atop a small hill; one has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The climb is not too difficult as it offers amazing views of the picturesque locales to the sides that one does not even come to know when the 200 steps come to an end. If the weather permits, one can catch a glimpse of Saswad and Dive Ghat. While climbing, people can also enjoy the number of ‘Deep Mala’ - Light Stands of Stones. In fact Jejuri is famous for its popular old Deep Mala. They are said to have been built by Aurangzeb. Structure of Jejuri Temple ![]() Khandoba - The Dhangar Deity Khandoba, the deity of Jejuri, is a fighter God of the Marathas. It is one of the two primary main deities of the Maharashtrian community, along with Vithoba at Pandharpur, most others being Goddesses. Khandoba, also known as Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand and Mallu Khan is a regional Hindu deity, worshipped as Bhairava, a form of Shiva, mainly in the Deccan plateau of India. He is the most popular family deity in Maharashtra, the patron deity of Deshastha Brahmin, warrior, farming and herding castes, the hunters and gatherers of the hills and forests. He is shown astride a horse and has an angry warlike look. The cult of Khandoba has linkages with Vaishnavas and Jain traditions, and also assimilates all communities irrespective of caste, including Muslims. Khandoba is sometimes identified with Mallanna of Andhra Pradesh and Mailara of Karnataka. The worship of Khandoba developed during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite God possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Karttikeya Skanda. He is depicted either in the form of a Lingam, or as an image riding on a bull or a horse. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is Jejuri in Maharashtra. The legends of Khandoba, found in the text Malhari Mahatmya and also narrated in folk songs, revolve around his victory over demons Mani-Malla and his marriages. Historical Importance of the Jejuri Temple ![]() Historically Jejuri also holds importance because it is in this very place that Shivaji met his father Shahji to discuss war strategy against the Mughals. In that time period, Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in the South region. How to reach Jejuri Temple Jejuri is situated 48 km from Pune in Maharashtra State. This place can be reached by both road and rail from Pune. Number of State Transport buses ply from Pune. It can also be reached by Express trains from Pune Railway Station. |
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